The Abbott government announced a $100 million boost to preserving the delicate natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef late yesterday evening, as the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability action plan was put in the spotlight.
The funding boost attempts to curb the impending threat from UN Heritage Committee as officially labeling the Great Barrier Reef as an “in danger” site – a humiliating blow for the government to cop from one of the nation’s most beloved and fascinating natural beauties. The committee will reassess the Great Barrier Reef in June to decide on the “in danger” classification of the site.
“We are utterly committed to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef,” Tony Abbott said yesterday, according to SMH.
The boost in funding will be funneled directly to local landowners to decide how to best improve and sustain conditions on the Great Barrier Reef, with a focus on improving water quality.
While any extra cash being delivered for the purpose of conservation is undoubtedly a win, Abbott’s announcement drew criticism for its failure to address dredging on the reef – a controversial development that could, according to activists, turn the reef into a “highway” for coal ships.
The contested developments at Abbott Point in Queensland were sidelined in yesterday’s announcement, as the PM ambiguously answered a question on coal mining in the area, saying, “It’s important we develop the economy,” an answer that could be used for literally any political question of all time.
Boost or no boost; put the Great Barrier Reef on your travel bucket-list ASAP. Our fragile stunner might not be here forever.
Via SMH.
Lead image by Phil Walter via Getty.
